08 Dec Restoration work takes to the Skye at iconic Fairy Pools

A phase of path improvement works at one of Skye’s most popular sites, the Fairy Pools, will be assisted by air transport.

To help facilitate the challenging process, a helicopter lift is set to transport path materials to the upper reaches of the Fairy Pools path, to kick-start habitat recovery in that area and to make the path easier to walk on and therefore more accessible. As a result, whilst the helicopter lift work is in progress, the upper section of the path, beyond the second bridge, will be temporarily closed to the public for approximately three days next month, the confirmed date dependent on a good spell of weather for flying.

Earlier this year, two new bridges were installed at the site which, in tandem with the current path improvements, will enhance accessibility for those visiting the area. For the section between the two bridges, rather than moving by helicopter, the work will be completed by moving materials using tracked dumper vehicles.

Whilst upgrading the main path, the project will also create new offshoot viewpoint paths, aiming to encourage visitors to stay on the paths to protect the habitats, which have previously been damaged by intensive visitor footfall.

The improved paths and habitat restoration work is being carried out as part of the Skye Iconic Sites Project (SISP), a project that covers three of Skye’s most iconic sites, including the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, and Quiraing. The diverse project is led by the environmental charity Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) which recently won two Rural Industry Awards.

Dougie Baird, CEO of Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland, said: “The Fairy Pools are a much-loved tourist attraction, one which sees many thousands of visitors per year from around the world. As a result, the old path and viewpoints have suffered damage from the high visitor footfall necessitating repair and the construction of new viewpoint paths. By including measures to restore the damaged habitats, this will enhance visitor accessibility, and experience whilst encouraging care for the fragile environment”.

Dawn Campbell Project Officer for Minginish Community Hall Association said: “Minginish Community Hall Association is delighted to see this crucial habitat protection and restoration work underway at the Fairy Pools. We were pleased to contribute funding to this important sustainable tourism project, through our Fairy Pools Car Park Fund, which we set up to benefit residents and also to offset the pressure of thousands of visitors to the waterfalls”.

“We’re confident that the work being done now on paths and the surrounding habitat will ensure that the Fairy Pools can continue to welcome visitors for many years to come”.

The path construction and habitat restoration is part of SISP, planned and managed by OATS, and supported by the Skye Iconic Sites Partnership. SISP is part of an almost £9 million Scottish programme of projects to invest in the Highlands and Islands to provide more and better-quality opportunities for visitors to enjoy natural and cultural assets. The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund is led by NatureScot and is part funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Support has also been received from Minginish Community Hall Association and Paths for All and Postcode Local Trust.

Notes
The Skye Iconic Sites Project has a total budget of just under £1 million, having received £650,516 from the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF), led by NatureScot and part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Additional partnership funding was secured from the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) (£98,793), Scottish Government Rural Payments Inspections Division (SGRPID) (£150,000), Highland Council (£10,000), Minginish Community Hall Association (£2,050), Paths for All (£1,200) and Postcode Local Trust (£16,750).

The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF) is part of the Scottish Government’s current European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme, which runs through to June 2023.

About Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland
The Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS) is a ground-breaking environmental charity promoting sustainable public access. It develops and implements path building and other outdoor access projects. For more information on OATS visit www.outdooraccesstrustforscotland.org.uk.

More information on the Skye Iconic Sites Project (SISP) can be found here: /projects/skye-iconic-sites/.

About NatureScot and the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund
The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund is funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with an almost £9 million investment in the Highlands and Islands. The Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund will invest in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland to provide more and better quality opportunities for visitors to enjoy natural and cultural heritage assets; encourage people to visit some of the more remote and rural areas; and create and sustain jobs, businesses, and services in local communities. The purpose of the Fund is to promote and develop the outstanding natural and cultural heritage of the Highlands and Islands in a way that conserves and protects them.

The natural heritage includes natural habitats and wildlife, geology, and landscapes. Cultural heritage includes history, language, architecture, ancient monuments, historical sites and cultural landscapes, and the sectors of theatre, arts, and literature. There is a close link between these two and interests often overlap. They are important locally and on a national and international scale.

They provide opportunities for the cultural and creative industries, environmental and tourism sectors.
The Scottish Government is the Managing Authority for the European Structural Funds 2014-20 Programme. For further information, visit their website or follow @scotgovESIF.

NatureScot is Scotland’s nature agency. We work to enhance our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. Our priority is a nature-rich future for Scotland and an effective response to the climate emergency. For more information, visit NatureScot website or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nature_scot.

’S e NatureScot buidheann nàdair na h-Alba. Bidh sinn a’ neartachadh àrainneachd na h-Alba agus a’ brosnachadh dhaoine gu barrachd suim a chur ann an nàdar. Tha e mar phrìomhachas againn gum bi nàdar na h-Alba beairteach agus gun dèilig sinn gu h-èifeachdach le èiginn na gnàth-shìde. Tha an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh aig www.nature.scot no air Twitter aig www.twitter.com/nature_scot.